RIO GRANDE VALLEY – For most people, finding a medical care provider and making doctor’s appointments is as easy as picking up a cell phone. But for some Medicaid-eligible individuals and families, access to cell phones – and quick communication with healthcare providers – may be difficult or impossible. Driscoll Health Plan (DHP) strives to bridge the communication gap by providing all members assistance in applying for a free cell phone.*
“Communication is essential when it comes to access to good healthcare for the vulnerable population we serve,” said Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, chief executive officer of DHP.
As part of the free cell phone* program, qualifying members will also receive the following services at not cost:
In addition to these services, DHP provides 250 extra minutes** each month and, for certain members, text messages with general health tips, notices about free events and other helpful information.
“This is a win-win situation for our members who qualify to receive free cell phones,” Dr. Peterson said. “DHP continues to develop ways to provide more value to our members.”
Cell phones obtained through DHP are made available by Assurance Wireless, a federal Lifeline program that is part of the Universal Service Fund.*
DHP has more than 50,000 members in the Hidalgo Service Delivery Area (SDA), which includes the counties of Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, McMullen, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata. It is the only non-profit, provider-sponsored plan in the Hidalgo SDA. For more information about DHP, families can go to www.driscollhealthplan.com or call 855-425-3247.
This is the third in a series of four press releases about DHP’s value-added services.
* Members must qualify to receive a free cell phone. The cell phone is not a value-added service.
** Restrictions and/or limitations apply on this value-added service.
